Man City exodus to start with Hart

England goalkeeper Hart’s unhappiness over being dropped by new club coach Guardiola has been widespread football news throughout the last week, but other players could also join him in leaving Premier League title favourites Manchester City.

Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony – using sparingly (if at all when main Etihad marksman Sergio Aguero is fit) since his reported £25m move from Swansea City in January 2015 – is also among those facing the axe.

Midfield duo Yaya Toure – a player whose past relationship with gaffer Guardiola is said to be far from friendly – and Samir Nasri join defender Eliaquim Mangala as players the local press in the Northwest claim could be on their way out.

Guardiola will do nothing to stop a Man City exodus, however, as the below quotes show: “I want happiness for the players. I don’t want players to stay here if they don’t want.

“All the players here have a contract. If they decide they want to stay, they are going to stay. I spoke with them all; they all know exactly what the situation is. If they want to stay, stay and we will fight together.”

Baggies biding time for Schlupp signing

A £12m offer for German-born Ghana international pace merchant Schlupp is on the table, but the 23-year-old is out of favour at the Foxes. He may need to force Claudio Ranieri’s hand as talks with Albion have reached a standstill.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis is in the market to add to his squad and Schlupp, who can play at left back as well as on the wing, would add another option down that side of the pitch.